Hydrographic sampling device



A. E. BLAIR HYDROGRAPHIC SAMPLING DEVICE Filed May 22. 1968 INVENTOR.

f I 9 Wu 2 United States Patent 3,509,772 HYDROGRAPI-IIC SAMPLING DEVICE Alexander E. Blair, 75 Willow St., Marshfield, Mass. 02050 Filed May 22, 1968, Ser. No. 731,034 Int. Cl. G01n 1/04 US. Cl. 73-425.2 8 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A hydrographic bottom sampling device which operates free of connection to any surface craft to sense the bottom to be sampled, operate a sample taking mechanism and return itself to the surface where it may be recovered. Bottom sensing is accomplished by a probe which extends downward below the device. On contact, the probe is pushed into the device and releases a spring loaded trigger mechanism. The trigger mechanism releases clam-shell scoops which rotate to take in a sample and close to con tain it within a recess. The trigger mechanism also releases the return mechanism which consists of a deflated bag open to a source of compressed gas and stored in a sealed container. The trigger mechanism releases a sharpened pin into the compressed gas container releasing the gas into the bag. As the bag inflates it pushes a cover off the container and pops out to become fully inflated so that it carries the entire apparatus to the surface.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the invention This invention relates to remote sampling apparatus and to automatic initiating means operated by contact with the surface to be sampled. It also relates to automatic compressed gas release and inflating apparatus. In particular, the invention relates to hydrographic sounding apparatus free of external control for taking a bottom sample by automatic actuation of a sampling device combined with automatic actuation of a buoyancy increasing means so as to effect return to the surface of the entire apparatus. Both automatic functions are initiated by a simple triggering means.

Description of the prior art Prior art devices of this type show two types of sampling devices:

(a) The core tube type consisting of a bottom tube which penetrates the bottom and in so doing fills itself with a sample;

(b) The bottom recess type, for example, a downwardly open spherical recess and a rotating spherical wedge acting as a scoop and a closure.

In addition, prior art devices for reclaiming the apparatus can be grouped into two major categories:

(c) Rope or wire for simply hauling the apparatus back to the surface;

(d) Automatic buoyancy increasing devices.

US. Pat. No. 1,782,139 to D. G. Dedrick discloses a bottom recess and scoop actuated by contact of a triprod on the bottom. Scooping and closure action is provided by moving, via the trip-rod, one end of an extended spring over the center of rotation of the scoop, so that the return force of the spring rotates the cup.

A disadvantage of this mechanism which is overcome by the present invention is that a spring of considerable travel is required to achieve total closure. Such a spring would have relatively low return force, thus limiting the utility of the device to relatively soft or loose particles or samples as is pointed out in the Dedrick patent.

3,509,772 Patented May 5, 1970 U8. Pat. No. 2,798,378 to A. Del Raso et al. discloses a core type sampling apparatus having inherent buoyancy with an automatic ballast release means comprising weights and a mechanism to release the weights which is actuated by contact with the ocean bottom.

Disadvantages of the Del Raso patent which are overcome by the present invention are:

(a) The ballast weights are not recovered;

(b) The ballast release mechanism is relatively complex;

(c) The buoyancy tank, containing a buoyant liquid is of considerable volume and bulk.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The invention herein disclosed lies in an improved hydrographic bottom sampling apparatus particularly in the type of such apparatus utilizing a scoop type sampling means, and an improved automatic actuating device. In addition, in the type of such apparatus wherein reclamation is achieved through buoyancy, the present invention shows a more compact lightweight and efiicient means for automatically increasing the buoyancy, and an actuating means, wherein the same actuating means is used for both automatic functions.

In brief summary, a sensing probe extends below the apparatus to contact the bottom surface to be sampled. On contact, the relative upward movement of the probe as the apparatus continues to drop frees a trigger mechanism to release a first spring which in turn operates a caming surface against a latch means releasing a scoop powerfully spring loaded by a torsion spring. The first spring continues to operate the caming surface against a second latch means to release a spring loaded pin which punctures an internally carried compressed gas container. The expanding gas proceeds to fill a flexible inflatable balloon or bag which is carried internally in the apparatus communicating with the container. The bag, on inflating, disengages a resilient cover on the apparatus, exits the apparatus While still fixed thereto and by displacing suificient water gives the apparatus buoyancy to return to the surface with the sample.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 2 of the sampling recess and the scoop rotating mechanism.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT The preferred embodiment of the invention as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 is constructed about a cylindrical shell body 1 having stabilizing fins 2 at its upper end. At the downward end of the body 1 is fixed a hollow spherical segment 3, downwardly open for receiving a samp e.

Referring to FIG. 3, two scoops 5 in the shape of hollow spherical wedges are mounted concentrically for rotation around the segment 3 on pins 6. Powerful torsion springs 7 wound around the pins 6 provide the force necessary to rotate the scoops 5 through the material to be sampled to a closed position (shown in FIG. 3) completely sealing the segment so that the sample is retained therein. The forward edges of the scoops 5 may be beveled or toothed although in the closed position they should mate to prevent leakage. The scoops 5 are held open by engagement of notches 8 with pivotable latches 9.

The trigger mechanism for releasing the scoops 5 comprises a tubular bearing 10, fixed at one end to the spherical segment 3. A shaft 11 is slidably mounted in bearing 10. The shaft 11 extends downward through a watertight seal 12, having at its lower end a bottom probe 13 which projects below the apparatus. The bottom probe 13 is so shaped that when it is pushed into the spherical segment 3 it conforms to the shape thereof, so as to occopy a minimum of the interior volume which is to contain the bottom sample.

At the upper ends of shaft 11 is an actuating shoulder 14 extending horizontally beyond the bearing 10. The shoulder 14 limits downward movement of the shaft 11. Shoulder 14 has an upwardly facing caming surface 14A in line with lugs 15 on one end of levers 16' which are pivotally mounted on the cylindrical body 1 so that their lower ends are engageable with the latches 9. By this arrangement, upward movement of shaft 11 through levers 16 releases the latches 9 from engagement with the notches 8 whereby the scoops 5 close.

While it is evident that this upward movement of shaft 11 could be caused by the relative movement thereof due only to contact of the bottom probe 13 with the bottom surface to be sampled, it is desirable that the probe be used to trigger a separate, more dependable and powerful driving force. More significantly, it is desirable that scoops 5 not be released until the bottom probe 13 is retracted completely so that the spherical container 3 rests substantially on the bottom at the time of closure of scoops. The additional driving force also provides extra travel of the shaft 11 so that the actuating shoulder 14 can release the buoyancy increasing device after the scoops 5 are released. This insures that the apparatus does not commence to ascend before the sample is secured.

Referring to FIG. 1, the triggering mechanism will be described. The bearing has two circular apertures 17 oppositely disposed through its walls generally toward its upper end.

A ball 18 is positioned in each aperture 17 for free horizontal movement therein. The ball 18 must have a diameter more than the thickness of the wall of the bearing 10 but less than twice said thickness, so that when the ball 18 rests against the shaft 11, it protrudes outward less than one-half its diameter.

A cylindrical drive tube 19 slidably mounted around bearing 10 is urged upward toward engagement with the shoulder 14 by a drive spring 20. The drive tube 19 has spherical cavities 21 of radius at least equal to that of the ball 18 and aligned with the aperture 17 to contain the protruding portion of the ball 18.

By this construction, upward movement of the drive tube 19 is prevented by the ball 18 resting partly in the cavity 21 and partly in the aperture 17, being restrained there by contact with the shaft 11.

When the shaft 11 is pushed upward by contact of the probe 13 with the bottom, narrowed portions 22 thereof become positioned opposite the balls 18 which are free then to move inward due to the horizontal component of the upward force of the drive spring 20 on the drive tube 19 through the angular contact of the ball 18 with the cavity 21.

The narrowed portions 22 should begin a distance below the apertures 17 equal to the distance of the probe 13 below the opening of the spherical segment 3 so that the scoops 5 are not triggered until the opening is in substantial contact with the bottom.

The travel and power of the drive-spring 20 is such that after engaging the levers 16, it continues to drive the shaft 11 upward so that the camming surface 14A of the shoulder 14 actuates the buoyancy increasing means which will now be described.

The buoyancy increasing means is located in an upper chamber 23 of the body 1 defined by a sealed bulkhead 24. A compressed gas container 25 is firmly mounted in resilient supports 26 which have a plurality of gas ports 26A.

An inflatable balloon 27 is invertedly stored in the chamber 23 with its mouth clamped to the upper opening thereof by a threadedly attached flange 28 against a steel retaining ring 29 integral with and defining said mouth for a leakproof seal. A resilient expendable protective cover 30 is snap-fitted in place on the flange 28.

When released from the compressed gas container 25, the gas expands throughout the chamber 23 exerting pressure on the balloon 27 against the cover 30. When sufiicient pressure is built up to dislodge the cover 30, the balloon 27 exits the chamber 23 and fully inflates outside the body 1 still in water-tight contact therewith at its mouth as shown in FIG. 2. When suflicient water is displaced to give positive buoyancy to the apparatus it rises to the surface where it and the sample may be recovered.

The aforesaid buoyancy means is triggered by release of a second pair of latches 31 pivotally mounted on a second sealed bulkhead 32 for engagement with a shoulder 33 on the downward end of a sharpened pin 34 aligned for puncturing the gas container 25. The pin 34 is slidably mounted in watertight seals 36 and 35 axially located in the bulkhead 24 and the second bulkhead 32 respectively. The pin 34 is urged upward by a spring 37 compressed against the second bulkhead 32 and a washer 38 fixed to the pin 34.

The second latches 31 are released by the continued upward travel of the drive shaft 11 as previously explained, which pivots them out of engagement with shoulder 33. The upward movement of the shoulder 14 ceases when the bottom probe 13 contacts the inner surface of the spherical segment 3. A somewhat more compact structure may be achieved by locating the scoop release latches 9 and the second latches 31 in the same vertical location resulting in simultaneous rather than sequential actuation. This can be done if the release of compressed gas is set at a rate slow enough that buoyancy is not achieved until after the scoops 5 close. This is especially true in view of the rapid and forceful closing of the scoops 5 available by utilization of torsion springs.

For re-use, an unused compressed gas container 25 is installed, the various latches set in the detent positions against the particular parts as described above; and the balloon 27 installed and covered by the cover 30.

It is intended to cover all changes and modifications of the preferred embodiment herein chosen for purposes of the disclosure which do not constitute departures from the spirit and scope of the invention.

I claim:

1. A hydrographic bottom sampling apparatus comprising:

a housing having at one end a sample receiving recess;

at least one scoop rotatably mounted to obtain a sample as it closes said recess;

torsion spring means communicating with said scoop normally acting to close said recess;

means for releasably holding said scoop open;

triggerable means within said housing for displacing sufficient water to make said apparatus buoyant; and,

trigger means for actuating said means for displacing water and for releasing said scoop holding means.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said trigger means comprises:

a downwardly extending, bottom sensing probe mounted for movement relative to said apparatus upon contact with the bottom;

an actuating member for actuating said closure means and said buoyancy increasing means;

biasing means for operating said actuating member; and

locking means detaining said biasing means and releasable by movement of said probe.

3. A hydrographic bottom sampling apparatus comprising:

a housing having at one end a sample receiving recess;

closure means for obtaining and retaining a sample within said recess;

buoyancy increasing means contained within said housing;

a downwardly extending bottom sensing probe mounted for movement relative to said apparatus upon contact with the bottom;

6 compressed gas firom said compressed gas container; and, means for inflating a bag with said gas to displace sufficient water to make said apparatus buoyant. 6. A hydrographic bottom sampling apparatus compris- 5 an actuating member for actuating said closure means mg:

and said buoyancy increasing means; a housing having at one end a sample receiving recess; biasing means for operating said actuating member; closure means for obtaining and retaining a sample an upwardly extending longitudinal bearing having at within said recess;

least one hole in the side thereof attached to said 10 a compressed gas container; housing; a sealed chamber in said housing having an opening a shaft slidably journalled in said bearing for upward therein and in which is contained said compressed gas movement therein in response to the movement of container; said probe and having a narrowed portion coma pointed rod extending sealably into said chamber mencing below the hole in said bearing and a toward said compressed gas container; shoulder comprising said actuating member at its biasing means for urging said rod piercingly into said upper end external of said bearing and extending container to release compressed gas; horizontally therebeyond; releasable latch means for detaining said rod against a drive tube slidably mounted external of said bearing the urging of said biasing means;

housing having an upper end engageable with said means within said housing for displacing sufiicient Water actuating shoulder for upward driving by said biasby said gas to make said apparatus buoyant; and ing means and having a partially hemispherical intrigger means for actuating said closure means and redentation communicating with the hole in said bearleasing said latch means. ing; and 7. In combination with a hydrographic apparatus of a ball in said hole having a diameter larger than the the type having a container for carrying items desired to thickness of the side of said bearing such that a be returned to the surface, an automatic return apparatus portion thereof rests inside the hemispherical incomprising: dentation of said drive tube and is restrained therein a chamber having an opening therein; by pp Contact with Said Shaft, Such that Said a container of compressed gas inside said chamber; drive tube is held immovable by said b gainst the an inflatable bag invertedly stored inside said chamber action of said biasing means until the narrowed porhaving an opening fixedly coextensive with the op tions of said shaft are moved in line with said hole ing f said chamber; by the upward m vement of Said Probe allowing Said means for releasing said compressed gas into said chamball to move out of said indentation freeing said drive h r; and, tube, driving Said actuating Shoulder upward to acme an expandable cover releasably attached over said coate d Closure means and Said y y increasing extensive openings such that hydrostatic external presmeans. sure tends to retain it in place but internal pressure A hydfographic bottom p g apparatus due to expansion of said compressed gas tends to prising: dislodge it and whereby said bag exits said chamber a housing having at one end a sample receiving recess; inflating externally th f, closure means for Obtaining and retaining a Sample 8. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said means for rewithin said recess; leasing compressed gas comprises: acompressed gas container; a pointed rod extending sealably into said chamber means for triggerably releasing compressed gas from toward said compressed gas container;

Said compressed gas Container; biasing means for urging said rod piercingly into said trigger means for actuating said closure means and said container; d,

means f releasing complessfid latch means for detaining said rod against the urging of a Sealed c mber in id housing having all Openmg said biasing means releasable by said trigger means.

therein and in which is contained said compressed gas container; References Cited 7 an inflatable bag invertedly stored inside sagltghamber UNITED STATES PATENTS a i e 0 en- $3133 35533 333? coextensive W p 2,798,378 7/1957 Del Raso 73-421 an expandable cover releasably attached over said 3,071,787 1/1963 Burker 9-8 extensive openings such that hydrostatic external 50 3,295,616 1/1967 Charlton *5 pressure tends to retain it in place but internal pressure due to expansion of said compressed gas tends FOREIGN T to dislodge it 18,401 1909 Great Britain. 5. An apparatus as described in claim 1 wherein said 60 S CLEMENT SWISHER, Primary Examiner water displacing means comprises:

a compressed gas container; means responsive to said trigger means for releasing US. Cl. X.R. 9-8; 175--5 

